DGCA Investigates Air India for Operating Aircraft with Expired Airworthiness Certificate: Serious Safety Breach Uncovered

All personnel involved in authorizing the aircraft for flights have been placed under suspension.

New Delhi:

Air India is currently facing investigation by the aviation regulatory authority after one of its A320 aircraft with 164-seat capacity operated eight flights on November 24 and 25 with an expired airworthiness review certificate. This significant oversight remained undetected for approximately two days until an engineer identified the missing documentation during standard inspection procedures.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a formal investigation, considering this incident a critical breach of safety protocols. All personnel responsible for clearing the aircraft for operations have been suspended pending investigation.

According to the DGCA, Air India only reported the violation on November 26. The regulator noted that while 69 of 70 Vistara aircraft had been properly cleared, this particular aircraft experienced a compliance failure during an engine replacement procedure.

In an official statement, Air India confirmed the violation and stated they were implementing corrective actions. The airline acknowledged that the incident was promptly "reported to the DGCA and all personnel associated with the decision have been placed under suspension, pending further review." Additionally, Air India has launched a comprehensive internal investigation and is fully cooperating with regulatory authorities.

An airworthiness certificate represents an essential document confirming an aircraft has undergone all required maintenance procedures and is safe for operation. This certificate requires annual renewal by the DGCA, and operating without valid certification constitutes a major regulatory violation that may result in severe penalties, potentially including sanctions against senior airline management.

"Under the delegated authority, Air India issues an Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC) in respect of the aircraft it operates. As part of the merger process of Vistara into Air India, in the year 2024, with respect to all seventy Vistara Aircraft, it was decided that the first ARC renewal post-merger will be done by the DGCA," the regulatory body explained.

"To date, ARC for all sixty-nine aircraft has been issued by the DGCA after satisfactory compliance by the operator. In respect of the seventieth aircraft, the operator filed an application with the DGCA and subsequently, the aircraft was grounded for an engine change. During this period, the ARC expired; however, the aircraft was released for service after an engine change. On 26.11.2025 operator informed DGCA about the flying of the aircraft on the expired ARC for eight revenue sectors," the DGCA further clarified.

This incident will likely be categorized as a Level 1 safety violation, among the most serious classifications under DGCA regulations, adding to a series of operational challenges that have raised questions regarding Air India's compliance protocols and oversight mechanisms in recent months.

The incident may also generate concerns among aircraft lessors, as operating aircraft with expired certification could potentially invalidate insurance coverage. While the DGCA conducts routine audits and unannounced inspections, the primary responsibility for ensuring aircraft airworthiness remains with the airline operator.